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Education Minister Richard Bruton congratulated over 61,000 students on receiving their provisional Junior Certificate results today.  

2017 marks the first year that English was examined under the new Framework for Junior Cycle.  The grading system for English is different to other subjects this year in that, rather than the old ‘A, B, C’ grade format, students will be awarded one of six grade descriptors, from ‘Distinction’ to ‘Not Graded’. 

Changes to Junior Cycle subjects are being implemented on a phased basis with both grading systems appearing together until 2021 at which time the last of the revised Junior Cycle subjects will be examined.

This year will also mark the first year that students will be awarded a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement, arising from the new Framework. The JCPA will replace the current Junior Certificate which students receive.  The JCPA, which will be issued to students by their schools towards the end of this year, will report on all elements of assessment and will record students’ achievements both in State Examinations and in Classroom Based Assessments, Short Courses, Priority Learning Units and Other Areas of Learning. 

The Minister said:

 I recently launched new specifications for Junior Cycle Irish, Modern Foreign Languages and Visual Art which will be taught in schools from this month. The new area of learning entitled Wellbeing is also being introduced this month. The awarding of the new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement later this year will mark a further important milestone on the journey of Junior Cycle reform. 

Results will be available in schools today and online at www.examinations.ie